The New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter is recovering after surgery to repair a torn tendon in his groin.

Carter had the surgery in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday and flew back to New Zealand on Wednesday, the New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed in a statement.

The All Blacks No10 was ruled out of the Rugby World Cup when he tore his left adductor on 1 October, the day before New Zealand's pool match against Canada.

Carter said in a statement that the surgery to repair the tendon "went well" and he will now be concentrating on his rehabilitation. He will undertake a graduated rehabilitation programme, involving strengthening exercises, which aims to have him running within eight weeks.